Diabetes and Oral Health:

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1 Diabetes and Oral Health:There is growing scientific evidence that suggests a strong relationship between your oral health and your overall health.Striving to achieve optimal health is essential for everyone and this becomes even more important when your general health has been affected in some way.The Ontario Dental Association is pleased to provide this overview of important information that focuses on the relationship between diabetes and oral health care.My name is xxx and I am a member of XXX Component Society of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). The ODA and its member dentists are committed to providing exemplary oral health care to the people of Ontario.Every April, the ODA rolls out Oral Health Month to help build awareness about the importance of oral health for all ages. This year, our subject continues along the theme concerning the relationship between oral and overall health, with particularly focus on diabetes.

2 Diabetes and Oral HealthApproximately 2.25 million Canadianshave diabetesNearly 1 million people with diabetes live in OntarioBy monitoring any oral infections that affect your gums and jaw, your dentist may help detect signs of early onset diabetesIt is estimated that 2.25 million Canadians have diabetes. Many are unaware they have the condition.In Ontario, there are more than 706,500, or 7.5 per cent of the population living with diabetes.Research shows that gum disease and diabetes can affect one another. For instance, gum disease can intensify the complications associated with diabetes by increasing blood sugar. Blood sugar levels that remain high over a period of time are associated with premature degeneration of your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.By monitoring any oral infections that affect your gums and jaw, your dentist may help detect signs of early onset diabetes.To get us started, I/we would like to provide you with an overview of the presentation you will be seeing today.

3 Diabetes and Oral HealthOverviewWhat is diabetes?How does diabetes affect my oral health?What are some of the risk factors/symptoms?Taking controlProper oral hygieneQuestions?Today, I/we will be highlighting to you exactly what diabetes is and how it can affect your oral health – as well as the effect of your oral health on your diabetes if you already have the disease.I/we will briefly outline some of the more common risk factors and symptoms, and address steps that you can take to reduce your risk of getting diabetes.I/we will conclude with questions and answers, but if there is anything you would like clarified throughout the course of the presentation, please don’t hesitate to ask.

4 Diabetes and Oral HealthWhat is diabetes?Diabetes is a condition in whichthe body does not produce orproperly use insulin – a hormoneneeded to absorb sugar (the basicfuel for cells). As a result, the bodycannot use sugars from food.What is diabetes?Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin – a hormone needed to absorb sugar (the basic fuel for cells). As a result, the body cannot use sugars from food.

5 Diabetes and Oral HealthFacts about diabetes*More than 2 million Canadians suffer from diabetesThe number is expected to grow to 3 million in the next 4 yearsAmong people with diabetes 80% will die of stroke or heart disease1,000 + Ontarians every week learn that they have diabetesOntarians with diabetes make up 7.5% of the population, but account for:32% of heart attacks30% of strokes51% of new dialysis cases70% of limb amputations#Here are some fascinating facts about diabetesMore than 2 million Canadians suffer from diabetesThis number is expected to grow to 3 million in the next 4 yearsAmong those people with diabetes, 80% will die of stroke or heart diseaseMore than 1,000 Ontarians learn that they have diabetes every weekAlthough Ontarians with diabetes make up 7.5% of the total population, they account for:32% of heart attacks30% of strokes51% of new dialysis cases70% of limb amputationsThese statistics help to underscore the seriousness of diabetes and why it has become so prevalent within media reports and, of course, within the medical community.*Canadian Diabetes Association – Snapshot on Diabetes: The Ontario Report# ICES Practice Atlas: Diabetes in Ontario, June 2003

8 Diabetes and Oral HealthRisk Factors40 or older? You may be at risk of type 2 diabetesTesting every three years is recommendedOther risk factors that may require more frequent testing:Member of a high-risk groupOverweightFamily member with diabetesHad/have gestational diabetesHigh blood pressureHigh cholesterolWhat are the risk factors for diabetes?If you are aged 40 or older, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should be tested at least every three years. If any of the following risks factors apply, you should be tested earlier and/or more often.Other risk factors that may require more frequent testing include:Being a member of a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian or African descent)Overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle)Having a family member with diabetesHealth complications that are associated with diabetesGiven birth to a baby that weighed more than 4 kg (9 lb)Have or had gestational diabetesImpaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucoseHigh blood pressureHigh cholesterol

9 Diabetes and Oral HealthSymptomsUnusual thirstFrequent urinationWeight change (gain or loss)Extreme fatigue/lack of energyBlurred visionFrequent or recurring infectionsCuts and bruises that are slow to healTingling or numbness in the hands or feetTrouble getting or maintaining an erectionNOTE: Many people with type 2 diabetes display no symptomsWhat are the symptoms?Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:Unusual thirstFrequent urinationWeight change (gain or loss)Extreme fatigue or lack of energyBlurred visionFrequent or recurring infectionsCuts and bruises that are slow to healTingling or numbness in the hands or feetTrouble getting or maintaining an erectionIt is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms at all.

10 Diabetes and Oral HealthLeft untreated, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, such as:Heart diseaseKidney diseaseEye diseaseProblems with erection (impotence)Nerve damageInfections and other serious complicationsPeople with diabetes also face a greater risk of developing oral infections and gum diseaseIf left untreated, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, problems with erection (impotence), nerve damage, resulting in extremities (hands and feet) losing sensation. As a result, people with diabetes are often unaware of injuries. A person with reduced sensation is less likely to notice small cuts or blisters if and when they occur. This can lead to infections and other serious complications.Studies have shown that people with diabetes also face a greater risk of developing oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes.

12 Diabetes and Oral HealthThere is some good news!The good news is that treatment of either disease can lead to improvements in the other.Focus on:Healthy eatingWatching your weightPhysical activityTaking controlThe good news is that the treatment of either gum disease or diabetes can lead to improvements in the other.Scientists believe that lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Eating right, watching your weight, physical activity and being proactive – or taking control of your health – can certainly help.

13 Diabetes and Oral HealthTake control:Stay in touch with your dentist and other health providersLet your dentist know:If you have been diagnosed with diabetesIf the disease is under controlIf you take insulin, and when your last dose was administeredIf there has been any other change in your medical history, andThe names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugsStaying in touch with your dentist and other health providers to assist you in the treatment of your diabetes is important. Communication with your dentist is vital. Let your dentist know:If you have been diagnosed with diabetesIf the disease is under controlIf you take insulin, and when your last usual dose of insulin was administeredIf there has been any other change in your medical history, andThe names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs (even ‘natural’ medicines) you are taking

15 Diabetes and Oral HealthSummaryYour oral health and overall health are related, so talk to your dentistResearch shows that gum disease and diabetes can affect each otherGood oral hygiene and regular dental exams are important steps in preserving good healthYour oral health and overall health are related, so it’s important to talk to your dentist.By monitoring any oral infections that affect your gums and jaw, your dentist may help detect signs of early onset diabetes.Research shows that gum disease and diabetes can affect each other. For instance, gum disease can increase the severity of complications of diabetes by increasing blood sugars. The good news is that the treatment of either disease can lead to improvements in the other.Good oral hygiene and regular exams by your dentist that include an examination of the entire mouth are important steps in preserving good health.

16 Diabetes and Oral Health?THANK YOU.Any questions?The information which we have shared with you today has been provided to help you better understand the relationship between your oral health and your overall health.I/we thank you for your attention and encourage everyone to practice proper oral hygiene techniques that include regular visits to your dentist.On behalf of the XXX Component Society of the Ontario Dental Association, it has been my/our pleasure to provide you with this overview of important information relevant to diabetes and oral health.If you have any questions, I/we will be happy to field them.